AS PART of Salisbury History Festival, ‘History at Large’ who perform mock trials to investigate historical events, will present a historical ‘whodunnit’ into the untimely death of William Longespee (“Longsword”), the first Earl of Salisbury.
William Longespee and Hubert De Burgh were both top ranking Anglo Norman nobles whose careers spanned the reigns of Richard Lion Heart, “bad” King John and Henry III. Both men were distinguished warriors and administrators and both displayed consistent loyalty to the English crown – particularly during “bad” King John’s reign, when England sank into civil war and the Barons actually invited the King of France to come and take over.
During the crisis, William’s loyalty did falter and he briefly changed sides. This led to a bitter scene with the unswervingly loyal De Burgh. An even worse confrontation arose after the war, when William went missing on a sea voyage and was presumed drowned. De Burgh used the opportunity to try and foist one of his nephews on William’s supposed “widow” – Countess Ella of Salisbury – who contemptuously saw him off the premises!
On his unexpected return, William threatened violence. De Burgh backed down, offered him apologies and some handsome gifts and finally invited him to a reconciliatory banquet. A few days later, William sickened and a few days later he died. Was he poisoned?
No proof was possible either way and the story faded, but in 1791, during Wyatt’s refurbishment of the Cathedral, William’s famous tomb was opened and the mummified corps of a rat was found in his skull. It displayed serious arsenic poisoning. The five centuries old rumours revived with a vengeance!
Now with a “Judge”, “Learned Council” and the audience as a Jury, ‘History at Large’ will assess the evidence – motives, means, opportunity etc and explore this fascinating “murder mystery” in the history of Salisbury and its famous cathedral.
August 27 and 28 at Studio Theatre, 7.30pm. Tickets from Salisbury Information Centre, Fish Row.Visit: timezoneproductions.com
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